Message to Community: Attacks on Israel
A Message from President Harring to the Muhlenberg CommunityBy: Kathleen Harring Tuesday, October 10, 2023 04:06 PM
Dear Muhlenberg Community,
Over the weekend we learned of the horrific attacks and atrocities in Israel. The terrorism Hamas perpetrated on Israel and the Jewish people is deplorable. The conflict in the Middle East has played out over millennia, but no matter the history Hamas’ decision to invade a sovereign nation and murder its citizens was an evil one. The loss of thousands of lives is a travesty. We abhor the violence that sustains this conflict, mourn the loss of so many lives and condemn this terrorism.
We recognize that members of our community are worried about their own safety as well as the safety of friends and family in the region, here in the United States and around the world. Individually, we are experiencing a range of emotions – fear, anger, helplessness, loss. You are not alone and our community is here to support each of you.
Please know that we remain vigilant about the security of our campus and the well-being of each member of our community. To that end, if you need support of any kind as this situation unfolds, please seek out the resources offered through the Counseling Center, Religious & Spiritual Life, Multicultural Life, the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, and, for faculty and staff, Muhlenberg’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Muhlenberg’s mission encourages, welcomes and celebrates a multitude of faith traditions and spiritual perspectives, including those of our Jewish, Israeli, Muslim and Palestinian students, colleagues and friends. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging enjoins us to recognize and value intersecting identities, among them race, ethnicity and religion. The complexity of these identities is both one of our greatest strengths and why this is felt so deeply and personally by members of our community.
In time, there will be opportunities to discuss the history, actions and implications of this violence. Yet, in the darkest, most inhumane moments, individuals across the ages have come together in ways that shine a light on the positive power of humanity. Their example helps us build hope, and encourages us to strive toward a more peaceful and just world.
I encourage everyone in our community to seek out that call to humanity with and among one another. Take the time to check in on each other, show each other compassion and empathy, and be willing to accommodate one another as we each process these unfolding events. It is hard to know what is to come, but we remain committed to striving for a community of respect and care.
My heart grieves for all those affected by this attack.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Harring
President
